Government Rulings Do Not Override God’s Law

June 24, 2022 

by Barrett Vanlandingham 

Living in a free country means there are a lot of laws, customs, and traditions that affect all of us. Judges and elected leaders are constantly making changes. And no matter what a person believes, Christians and everyone else live under the same set of laws (Romans 13:1-7).

Still, it is important for Christians to remember that God’s law comes first, and that just because something is legal by the laws of the land does not mean we have to take part in it. We must approach every decision we make with a humble and prayerful attitude.

This past Friday, June 24, 2022 the U.S. Supreme Court sent the issue of abortion back to the states to decide what to do with it. So, it is no longer a federal constitutional right for a woman to terminate the life of her unborn child. Now, each state’s elected leaders will have the power to decide whether to allow this practice and under what circumstances. Please be in prayer for the decisions of our current and future state lawmakers.

As Christians, this is just one of thousands of emotionally charged laws and rights we live with. In 2014 a federal judge in Tulsa and then a three-judge panel in Denver legalized homosexual marriage in Oklahoma.  In 1933, a nationwide prohibition of alcohol was lifted when the 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment of 1919.

 As long as there are humans, there will be differing opinions and debates on whether things like abortion, gambling, lotteries, prostitution, alcohol, marijuana, and so on should be legalized, and to what extent. It’s all more than a little overwhelming to think about, especially when you figure in arguments among Christians who are trying to decide what is considered sin.

The Bible speaks plainly on the topics of murder, excess, greed, sexual sins, taking care of our bodies, sins of the mouth, and even matters of conscience.

            But how should Christians react to government decisions that plow right through Biblical truths?  Peter and John faced this close up when the Sanhedrin court tried to intimidate them from teaching about Jesus.

“But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him?  You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:18-20).

            In Romans 12:18, Paul says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”   And then a chapter later he adds, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” (Romans 13:1)

            Jesus said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  (Matthew 22:21)

            The fact is, God has allowed governments to have laws and enforce them. Still, Christians are held to a higher standard. As Paul says, “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful.” (1 Corinthians 10:23). So, according to the Bible, Christians should follow the laws of the land, AND follow the will of God, avoiding every kind of sin (1 Thessalonians. 5:22).

One day, we will all be judged according to what we have done (Matthew 16:27).   Have a great week!

A Summer of Unity Building

by Barrett Vanlandingham (June 19, 2022)

             “All the believers were one in heart and mind” (Acts 4:32).  Luke’s account of the early church sets the bar pretty high for unity among Christians. But then again, this kind of unity is exactly what you might expect of people who spent a lot of time together.

            In my conversations with other ministers lately, there is one common thread. Church families including youth groups and campus ministries continue to suffer the consequences of having spent so much time apart in the past couple of years. Even though the potential for growth numerically and spiritually is great, especially since we are pretty much starting near the bottom, we have a long way to go. Our Sunday morning church attendance appears to have rebounded a little. But this has not trickled down to all the areas affected by our extended separation.

            Before Covid, our average number of 6^th thru 12^th graders attending regularly scheduled youth devotionals was about 25 kids. This year, that number has been about 5 to 10 kids. That’s about 12 percent to 25 percent participation. Those numbers only rise slightly for bigger ticket events/activities such as a movie or rafting.

            This summer, our youth ministry team is working harder than ever to foster a spirit of unity among the kids whose families worship here. The more progress we make this summer, the better off we will be in the fall when school activities pull and scatter everyone in every direction except towards church-related events.

            The apostle Paul says reaching unity in the faith helps prevent us from being tossed back and forth by every wind of teaching (Ephesians 4:11-16). The writer of Hebrews echoes this same thought in regards to spending quality time together with believers (Hebrews 10:23-27). This is something we hope to achieve with God’s help this summer that will carry into the new school year. Have a great week!